Scandinavians among the happiest people in the world. The Viking ship Draken will sail the Atlantic coast in 2017.

Scandinavians are the happiest people in the world
Since its inception in 2012, in support of the UN initiative on happiness and well-being, the World Happiness Report has consistently been dominated by the Nordic countries’ high marks. "What works in the Nordic countries is a sense of community and understanding in the common good," says Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. Sweden is in the top 10 in 2017, though this year Norway (#1), Denmark (#2), Iceland (#3) and Finland (#5) all outranked Sweden (Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand and Australia did, too). The U.S. wasn't too far behind, ranking #14. The report reflects the surveys of citizens in 155 countries that ask about satisfaction with things like employment, income inequality, life expectancy, business and social support. Sweden has always had high marks on these kinds of lists. For the full report, see https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdsn-whr2017/HR17_3-20-17.pdf

The Draken will sail the Atlantic coast in 2017
After an overwhelmingly supportive interest in her 2016 tour from Norway to the Great Lakes, the Draken Harald Hårfagre will soon announce the details of a 2017 tour along the U.S. East Coast. The Viking ship has been wintering in Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, and will likely sail to Maine down to Florida. www.drakenexpeditionamerica.com